If you’re looking for a tasty, healthy snack, you’ve found it! My Maple Pecan Granola recipe combines crunchy oats and rich pecans, all sweetened with pure maple syrup. You can whip this up easily, and it’s perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. Plus, I’ll share tips on how to customize it to your taste. Let’s dive into this delicious and nutritious journey!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Sweet: The combination of pure maple syrup and cinnamon gives this granola a lovely sweetness that is perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- Nutty Crunch: Pecans add a satisfying crunch and a boost of healthy fats, making this granola both tasty and nourishing.
- Versatile & Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for a personal touch that fits your taste.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, this recipe comes together quickly, making it a great choice for meal prep.
Ingredients
Complete List of Ingredients
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
– Optional mix-ins: 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins, 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
Gathering these simple ingredients is key to making a tasty granola. Rolled oats form the base. They add crunch and fiber. Pecan nuts bring a rich, nutty flavor. Pure maple syrup adds sweetness and a hint of caramel. Melted coconut oil helps bind the granola and adds a mild flavor. Vanilla extract gives it a warm scent. Ground cinnamon adds a lovely spice note. Sea salt enhances all the flavors.
Optional ingredients like dried cranberries or raisins add a sweet chewiness. Unsweetened coconut flakes provide texture and a tropical twist. Feel free to mix and match with what you love. You can use different nuts or seeds. This granola is about your taste!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
– Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Combine Dry Ingredients
– In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of coarsely chopped pecans, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. Stir well until everything is combined.
Mix Wet Ingredients
– In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This mix adds sweetness and flavor.
Combine and Bake
– Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix until every oat and pecan gets coated.
– Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly. For clumpy granola, press it down lightly.
– Bake for 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even baking and prevent burning. Look for a golden brown color and a nice aroma.
– After baking, let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This is when it will harden into clusters.
– If you want, mix in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins and 1/4 cup of unsweetened coconut flakes after cooling.
– Store the granola in an airtight container. It lasts up to 2 weeks. Enjoy it as a snack or a breakfast topping!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Crunch
To avoid burning granola, keep an eye on the oven. Bake it at 325°F for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir it halfway through to get an even color. Watch the edges; they should turn golden brown. If you smell a nutty aroma, it’s almost ready!
For clusters, press the mixture down on the baking sheet. Use a spatula to compact the granola a bit. This helps the oats and nuts stick together. Once baked and cool, it will form those lovely crunchy clusters we all love.
Substitutions and Additions
If you want healthier options, swap maple syrup for agave nectar or honey. You can also use light olive oil instead of coconut oil. These choices keep your granola tasty and light.
For nuts and seeds, feel free to mix it up! Almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds work great too. Each adds its own flavor and crunch. You can play with different dried fruits, like apricots or figs, to add more sweetness.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh, high-quality nuts and oats for the best flavor and texture in your granola.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or ginger, or even a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors of your granola.
- Customize Your Mix-ins: Incorporate your favorite dried fruits, seeds, or chocolate chips to create a granola that suits your taste.
- Store Properly: Keep your granola in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunchiness and freshness for longer.
Variations
Different Flavor Profiles
You can easily change the taste of your granola. Adding spices can create a warm flavor. Try mixing in nutmeg or ginger for a twist. These spices give your granola a cozy feel. You can also mix in different fruits. Chopped apples or sliced bananas work well. Fresh fruit adds a juicy texture and flavor.
Granola Bar Transformation
You can turn your granola into tasty bars. To do this, you need to adapt the recipe. First, use a binding agent. Some good options are nut butter or honey. These help hold the granola together. Press your mixture firmly into a baking dish. Then, chill it in the fridge for a few hours. When it’s set, cut it into bars. Now you have a healthy snack that is easy to grab!
Storage Information
Best Practices for Storage
To keep your maple pecan granola fresh, use airtight containers. These containers prevent air from making your granola stale. You can choose glass jars or plastic bins. Store them in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard. This will help maintain the crunch and flavor.
Shelf Life
Homemade maple pecan granola lasts about two weeks. Factors like humidity and temperature can affect its freshness. If you keep it in a warm area, it might spoil faster. To ensure the best taste, enjoy it within this time frame. Remember, the sooner you eat it, the better it will taste!
FAQs
How to make Maple Pecan Granola vegan?
You can easily make Maple Pecan Granola vegan. Here are some swaps:
– Replace the coconut oil with any plant-based oil.
– Use maple syrup as your sweetener; it’s already vegan.
– If you want, skip the honey or any other animal-based sweeteners.
– Make sure to use vegan-friendly add-ins like dried fruits.
These simple swaps keep the flavor but make it vegan.
Can I freeze Maple Pecan Granola?
Yes, you can freeze Maple Pecan Granola! Here’s how:
– First, let it cool completely. If you skip this step, it may clump together.
– Use an airtight container or a freezer bag.
– Label it with the date for your reference.
– Granola can last up to three months in the freezer.
When ready to eat, just thaw it at room temperature.
What are the health benefits of maple and pecans?
Maple syrup and pecans offer great health perks. Here’s a look:
– Maple Syrup: It has antioxidants and minerals like manganese and zinc.
– Pecans: They are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
Both ingredients may help boost heart health. They also provide energy for your day. Enjoying this granola gives you a tasty and nutritious snack!
In this post, we explored how to make delicious Maple Pecan Granola. You learned about the perfect blend of oats, pecans, and maple syrup. We covered step-by-step instructions for mixing and baking your granola. Plus, you got tips for storage and variations, like making bars.
Granola is great for quick snacks or breakfast. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients. Your homemade granola will surely impress everyon
